Introducing the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) at the University of Pretoria

In keeping with global, regional and local developments the Centre for the Study of AIDS (CSA) at the University of Pretoria (UP) has re-positioned itself as the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G).

This is in line with three key imperatives:

The HIV/AIDS terrain requires invigorated social research which sees sexuality and gender as key to understanding and addressing HIV and AIDS.

Linked to this, renewed critical scholarship on sexualities and diversities is required in the African academy, given (sometimes new) conservative movements and impulses.

All institutions, especially those of higher learning, need to engage in a conversation around transformation: HIV provides a useful entry point to this conversation as it has always raised questions of discrimination, difference, diversity and inclusivity.

In light of these imperatives, and building on its expertise and presence at UP, the CSA has renamed itself the Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender (CSA&G) with the vision of “understanding power, exploring diversity, examining difference and imagining inclusivity”.

Using HIV and AIDS as both a lens and a springboard, the CSA&G will explore, at the university and beyond, themes of:

social and community justice

institutional and social transformation

sexual and reproductive health and rights for all

sexual diversity and sexual citizenship

the challenges and dynamics of gender, identity, race and class

personal and social leadership for active citizenship and political accountability

effective community engagement and the promotion of community wellness.

Possible research areas for 2015 and beyond:

Exploring human rights implications of emerging models of HIV testing, circumcision and other new technologies

Exploring the impact of medicalised prevention interventions such as circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis and microbicides.

Exploring the impact of HIV treatments on stigma and adherence.

Exploring the links between gender, culture and sexuality.

Researching, understanding and promoting progressive ideas on sexual diversity and sexual citizenship in a sex-positive way